Hervens is a 17-year-old high-school student from Haiti. He lives in a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince with his parents, four brothers, and two sisters. His parents are both small-scale vendors. Hervens is in his second year of high school and likes art and literature. Hervens has a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect. A hole exists between the two upper chambers of his heart; blood leaks through this hole, leaving him weak and short of breath. Hervens needs fly to the Dominican Republic to receive treatment. On June 23rd, he will undergo heart surgery, during which doctors will sew a patch over the hole so that blood can no longer leak through it. Another organization is contributing to pay for surgery. Hervens's family also needs help to fund the costs of surgery prep. Our medical partner, International Cardiac Alliance, is requesting $1,500 to cover labs, medicines, and check-up and follow-up appointments. It also supports securing travel documents for the family and travel costs for the social workers from our medical partner, who will accompany Hervens's family overseas. Hervens says: "I am looking forward to having more energy, and to being stronger after my surgery!"

Koemsoeun is a hardworking father and former motorbike taxi driver from Cambodia. He lives in Kampong Cham province with his wife, who sells vegetables at a local market, and their three children. The eldest serves in the army, the second helps their mother at the market, and the youngest is in Grade 8. In his free time, he plants vegetables around his home. Two years ago, Koemsoeun was involved in a traffic accident that injured his right proximal tibia. After the accident, he was taken to a hospital in Vietnam, where he underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery. However, the wound did not heal properly and was infected. He sought treatment at a government hospital in Cambodia, where the metal implant was removed. Despite this treatment, his condition did not improve, and the wound continues to cause pain, swelling, and infection. When Koemsoeun learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for three hours seeking treatment. On March 11th, surgeons at CSC will perform a debridement procedure to remove the damaged and infected tissue from his wound. After recovery, he is expected to walk normally again, reduce pain and infection, and resume his daily activities and ability to support his family. Koemsoeun can contribute $342, but needs help raising the remaining $342 to fund his proceure and care. Koemsoeun said, “I am very grateful for the support that helps me receive this treatment. I hope my leg will heal so I can walk normally and support my family again.”

Nuruhaiya is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her mother, who earns a living through small-scale local work to support her family and provide for their daily necessities. Nuruhaiya was brought in for treatment after her mother noticed progressive bowing of both legs soon after she started walking. She has been diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, a condition where the knees curve outward while the feet and ankles touch. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. As Nuruhaiya grew, walking became increasingly difficult. The condition has been causing her imbalance and fatigue whenever she tries to walk or play with other children. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Nuruhaiya. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Nuruhaiya's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Nuruhaiya's mother says, “I want her to walk and play freely like other children, without pain or difficulty.”